(a) All contracts for the construction of any unit of work,
except as provided in this article, estimated to cost in excess of
two thousand dollars ($2,000) shall be let to the lowest responsible
bidder in the manner provided in this article. The board shall
advertise by three insertions in a daily newspaper of general
circulation or two insertions in a weekly newspaper of general
circulation published in the district inviting sealed proposals for
the construction of the work before any contract shall be made, and
may let by contract separately any part of the work. The board shall
require the successful bidder to file with the board good and
sufficient bonds to be approved by the board conditioned upon the
faithful performance of the contract and upon the payment of the
claims for labor and material, the bonds to contain the terms and
conditions set forth in Title 3 (commencing with Section 9000) of
Part 6 of Division 4 of the Civil Code, and to be subject to the
provisions of that title. The board shall also have the right to
reject any bid, in which case the board may advertise for new bids.
(b) In the event no proposals are received pursuant to
advertisement, where the estimated cost of the work does not exceed
the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000), or where the work consists
of emergency work, the board of directors, by unanimous vote of all
members present, may, without advertising for bids, have the work
done by force account. In case of an emergency, if notice for bids to
let contracts will not be given, the board shall comply with Chapter
2.5 (commencing with Section 22050).
(c) The district may purchase in the open market, without
advertisement for bids, materials and supplies for use in any work
either under contract or by force account; provided, however, that
materials and supplies for use in any new construction work or
improvement, except work referred to in subdivision (b), may not be
purchased if the cost exceeds two thousand five hundred dollars
($2,500), without advertising for bids and awarding the contract
therefor to the lowest responsible bidder.
(d) The provisions of this section have no application to a
contract entered into with the United States under the authority of
Section 3, or to a contract authorized by a vote of the electorate of
the district.